Exploring sustainable options for conservation of small woodland parcels through wild-crafting crops

2011 Annual Report for FNC09-757

Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 2009: $3,583.98
Projected End Date: 12/31/2013
Region: North Central
State: Michigan
Project Coordinator:
Co-Coordinators:
Lisa Jackson
Growing Obsessions Nursery

Exploring sustainable options for conservation of small woodland parcels through wild-crafting crops

Summary

Work activities
  • The work activities are roughly in order.
    Maintained and monitored fenced control plot
    Reviewed previous year's results, researched options to improve results
    Ordered replacement plants (found fairywand, used older plants)
    After multiple attempts, located local herb expert
    Toured three locations with herb expert
    Replanted all new locations, mapped, took GPS coordinates.
    Inspected mushroom logs at all locations
    Outreached to additional community members
    Researched mushroom log alternatives

Objectives/Performance Targets

Results
  • In random order -
    Ordering and planting earlier seemed helpful. Less stress to shipped plants, and was able to locate the fairywand this year.
    Plugs in mushroom logs appear to have dried out before colonizing. Little to no growth was observed.
    Found out that virtually every site planted last year was not the optimal location for these herbs.
    Planting style and grid pattern was still useful for ID, planting ease, and relocating plots/plants.
    Had success with tabletop mushroom units. Mushrooms were collected, dried, and conditions were adapted to affect size. This will be useful to transfer knowledge to field.
    Herb expert compiled a report on the herbs, location sites, etc. This is available for review.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Work plan
  • This year will be mostly about letting the herbs grow, watching for any changes. Results will be compiled.
    Mushroom logs should show mushrooms this year if the logs were colonized, so will be watched.
    Straw bales for mushrooms were not attempted last year. Will try this year.
    More mushroom spores will be bought for the bales.
    In fall or winter, some of the herbs will be dug up an analyzed for marketing potential.
    Field day and brochures may be arranged/compiled if results prove useful.
    Soil test kits will be bought and used on any successful site.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

Outreach

Additional community outreach was done both online and in person. Most expressed interest in the results. One party showed interest in publication of results in their newsletter.